Dedicated homes for artists?

By Natalie Vincent - Thu 10 May 2018, 4:02 pm

Consultation has opened on plans, backed by Turner Prize winner Grayson Perry, to build affordable homes for artists in Barking town centre.

The proposal for the £3.5 million 'artists' house' has been developed by Be First, Barking and Dagenham Council's wholly-owned regeneration company, with partners Create London. It will see 12 below-market rate apartments constructed in Linton Road, Barking to provide homes for artists with workshops and a community arts space.

Pat Hayes, managing director for Be First, said: "This truly inspiring and affordable new development will allow artists to flourish here, to engage with local people and to strengthen the fast-growing creative industries in this borough."

Perry, who will help to develop a programme of activity for the artists, said: "This is a golden opportunity for artists who want to work with the public, with lovely studios available for six years. With the right artists working in a real place with real people, who knows where it will go? It's a new artistic model."

The new proposals will be subject to planning approval by Barking and Dagenham Council and are open for consultation until 21 May. A decision is expected in the late spring and, if successful, artists will be invited to apply over the summer.